Active listening
Different countries have different customs but in many places people who are speaking expect their listener to show interest and involvement. If you listen in complete silence, people may think you are difficult to talk to! Make a list of sounds or expressions which you can use to show you are listening.
Mmm. I see.
Make a list of expressions you can use to show you do not understand, or need something repeated or explained.
I don’t quite follow.
Sorry. What exactly do you mean?
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7. Curriculum Vitae (gb) / Resume (usa)
A CV should contain your personal details, and information about your qualifications and work experience. You may also include information about any additional skills and personal interests, and the names and addresses of anyone who would be willing to act as a referee. Try to keep your CV to one page, or a maximum of two pages. Future employers want a concise summary of your details.
USEFUL PHRASES
Give personal information: permanent address - temporary address - home telephone number - mobile telephone number - fax number - email address - nationality - visa status - DoB (Date of Birth) - Marital Status (Single or Married).
NB In some countries, particularly the United States, you are not expected to give information about age or marital status on your CV. It is not considered acceptable to use these as criteria in selecting people.
Give information about your qualifications: High School Diploma; University Degree - BSc or BA; Masters Degree; PhD; Post graduate diploma.
Say what you specialized in: Civil Engineering; Management Accounts
Give information about your final project: My final thesis was on sports injuries and alternative therapies. | My final project was to design a Braille keyboard.
Give information about your responsibilities at work: I was responsible for checking the monthly accounts. | I managed a small team of 3 people.
Mention any special achievements: I succeeded in reducing costs by 20%. | I achieved the highest level of sales while I was working there. | I was promoted to the position of supervisor.
Mention any additional skills: I am computer literate. | I have a working knowledge of German. | I am fluent in English. | I am a member of the professional institute of accountants in my country.
Give the details of two referees: The following people will be happy to provide a reference. | The following people will be happy to testify to my suitability to this post. | References available on request (if you do not want to list the names).
Information can be given in the form or full sentences or, increasingly, as bullet points. If you use bullet points, you do not have to use complete sentences. This can make a CV clearer and easier for possible employers to read:
Work Experience
Jun - Sep 2004: Fort Lord Camp, USA
camp leader with children aged 12-14
supervised group of 6 children
led sailing courses
basic first aid responsibilities
Other skills
Fluent Spanish
Working knowledge of English and French
Driving license
Computer Literate (Word, Excel)
POINT OF GRAMMAR
The second conditional
FORM
if + past simple |
would/could/might + infinitive |
If T lived by the sea, If they asked me to work for them. |
I would do a lot of swimming. I might accept. |
or would/could/might + infinitive |
if + past simple |
I would do a lot of swimming i might accept |
if I lived by the sea. if they asked me to work for them. |
Notes
• The 'past' here is actually the subjunctive, which is the same as the past simple except for
two forms - I and he/she + were:
If I were you, I'd change my job.
If John were here, he wouldn't be very happy.
• In conventional English, these two forms can be replaced by the past:
If I was you, I'd change my job.
If John was here, he wouldn't be very happy.
• would is often shortened to 'd.
USE
• The second conditional refers to the present or future.
The if-event is cither
a] hypothetical;
If I worked in that factory, I'd soon change things, (but I don't work in
that factory)
If I spoke French, my job would be a lot easier, (but I don't speak French)
b) unlikely:
If she left her husband, she might be happier, (but T don't think she's
going to leave her husband)